Saturday, August 30, 2008

McCain-Palin. I like the sound of that. I also like the confusion it creates for the Democratic party. So much for their change of nominating two ultra liberal males, one who has no track record and one whose track record is fair/poor at best. Talk about politics as usual.Sarah Palin brings a great deal for the Republican ticket and in my opinion will lead them to victory in November. She is bright, intelligent, reform minded, not afraid to take on political machines and has a great deal of common sense and love (being a Mother of five children). Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, you have to be proud of McCain's choice. Yes it is true that John McCain is ready from day one. And with his choice for Vice President it also shows his future vision, wisdom and ability to lead our country. Yes McCain-Palin, an excellent choice.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Senator Dodd has a non issue. His receiving a subprime mortgage at below market rates is a non issue. It is an issue that he has no reason to respond to nor any legal obligation to. Senator Dodd apparently has done nothing wrong. As a matter of fact all United States Senators and Representatives should not be concerned at all with laws, rules, ethics or the like, even the new Democratic candidates for President and Vice President. Secret deals for real estate or plagiarism, not a big deal.All of our members of Congress need no guidance, upholding of laws, or ethics values. We as taxpayers must understand that they are a ruling elite. They are nobility taking away personal freedoms at a whim in order to further their self interest. They talk all the time using rhetoric to their fullest advantage only to be trying to find the next angle to promote their own self interest.Enough is enough, we as taxpayers in Connecticut need to force the issue of Senator Dodd's subprime mortgage and his subsequent mortgage bailout deal. It is too bad our local media is blind to this gross ethics violation.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Why does Connecticut have high electric rates? I read with curiosity the 8/5/08 report issued by the OLR regarding Connecticut having the second highest electric rates in the country. As an economics instructor I found the reading to be difficult, laborious and for the common person they will not be able to understand its technical jargon. Thus I would like to develop with more simplistic terms why electric rates are so high in our state. First, as far as I can see Connecticut generates very little actual electricity as it use to. The deregulation of the industry created small peak power plants with most of our basic everyday needs for electricity being bought on an open market grid from outside of the state. This is automatically more costly since electricity is now transported rather than produced in our state. These small peak power plants operate only when there is a high enough demand for them. The cost of producing this electricity is expensive and is profit driven by the companies that run them. My immediate suggestion here is to build two nuclear power plants to replace the old Millstone plants and generate the bulk of our power in the state through nuclear which is clean and cost effective and efficient. I no longer see from either a business view or an economic view why United Illuminating and or Northeast Utilities are still in business and why they are allowed rate increases since they generate little if any electricity any more.Demand plays a small factor in the high costs of electricity. As we continue to see a grave economic decline in our state electric demand remains flat with high demand being generated in heat waves (more air conditioning being used)and thus the peak plants go to work and electric costs increase due to this. Also due to stringent air pollution laws electricity must be created in a "clean" manner and thus is much more costly due to the high costs of natural gas.The state legislature with our tax dollars have passed three separate bills to improve electric efficiency for businesses and home owners, to help build more of these peak power plants and to provide assistance for those in need. These bills in my economic opinion have done little to help either businesses or consumers in the state or to lower electric rates. This is also an example of why the state legislature has no understanding of how our economy works or why Connecticut is in the economic mess that it is in today.The solution to this problem without this OLR report is to build two or more nuclear power plants in Connecticut immediately. Nuclear power in 2008 is non polluting, cost efficient and highly efficient. It would help lower electric rates in our state, create jobs and help promote economic growth to a state which is badly managed from a taxpayers point of view. However my proposal may be too logical for the self serving, special interest peddling state legislature here in Connecticut.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Russia is going back to Communism. If you have been following the tragic news of Russia invading Georgia over the supposed South Ossetia issue, one can see the formations of the old USSR redeveloping in Eastern Europe. I find it interesting that Czar Putin decides to launch his war on Georgia on the day that the China Olympic games start. Unification of our world seems to be a theme in the Olympics yet Georgia as a Democratic free country needs to be eliminated in the eyes of Putin and his military men.We again view the United Nations as a hapless and helpless governing body which is unable to condemn this brutal attack on innocent and free people nor do anything about it. President Bush equally misplayed his response and belief in this new Russian Dictator who has reemerged as again a threat to the free world.Senator John McCain spoke the truth in his response to this terror. Putin privately must be worried that a McCain Presidency will spell trouble for him. As a President, McCain will not be weak or meek against this type of unprovoked terror. My heart and prayers go out for the freedom loving citizens of Georgia.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Congress to energy consumers: please go away and drop dead. I do not understand the philosophy that the Democrats in Congress have about voting one way or another about increasing energy production in the United States. In economic terms why do they like punishing American energy consumers through excessively high prices? Why can't we drill for our own oil and help our country and economy? Their excuses are comical. Nancy Pelosi is obviously more concerned about promoting her book rather than helping her country. She continues to show her inability to lead and her desire for her own personal self gain and glory. I will applaud the small group of Republicans who have shown the courage to put America's interest first when it comes to energy. Voters hopefully will remember this debacle called Congress come November.

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About Me

I have been an educator for 35 years teaching over twenty courses in business and economics on a part time basis for several different colleges and universities here in Connecticut. I have a Bachelors of Science in Journalism and a Masters of Science in Economics. I also enjoy writing about and collecting football memorabilia. I am a member of the Professional Football Researchers Association and a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers. I also publish Gridiron Greats Magazine.